What to Wear: May 2016 Events in Birmingham

It’s the most wonderful (and busiest!) time of the year. School is coming to an end for some, graduation celebrations are in order for others, and it’s simply time to unwind and have a little fun for all! May is a preview of what’s to come: warmer days, activities for all ages and a chance to take a break from the routine. We know your time is limited, so we have selected our top three things to see and do this month in Birmingham. If you haven’t been to The Lyric Theatre since its grand reopening, then this is your chance. Renowned singer Mavis Staples, beloved by all ages, will entertain audiences for a night to remember at the historic theater next month. Family-friendly fun can be found at Caldwell and Rhodes parks on Do Dah Day. Whether you have a pet or not, you are sure to love this happy event featuring the fur babies of Birmingham’s big-hearted animal lovers. And, finally, enjoy an evening under the stars and rub elbows with the stars at Opera Birmingham’s 38th Annual Vocal Competition Finals and Awards Dinner at the Vestavia Hills Country Club. This will be a night unlike any other as you not only dress to the nines and dine at the posh club, but also get to hear a concert by the finest opera talent around. Thanks to three local boutiques — Betsy Prince, Rogers Trading Company and The Clothes Tree by Deborah — we will have you styled in just the right look for each event.

If you haven’t seen The Lyric Theatre restored to its former glory, then you must nab some tickets to see Mavis Staples take the historic stage on May 8. The century-old Lyric with seating for 750 is a gorgeous and intimate setting for the legendary singer. Her sound may be rooted in R&B and gospel, but her versatile voice is far-reaching, and young and old alike can sing along to “I’ll Take You There,” as well as many other hits in her diverse repertoire.

What to wear? Whether you are old school or new school, Betsy Prince in Brookwood Village has just the right look for you as you “Light up The Lyric” with Mavis. We have picked our top three looks, but the cool thing about shopping at this one-of-a-kind boutique is you can easily mix and match or work with the styling geniuses at Betsy Prince to find something that is uniquely you. Stop by and let their team spoil you with a little one-on-one attention.

The furriest parade in Birmingham will stroll through Caldwell and Rhodes parks on May 14 for the 38th annual Do Dah Day. Come with your best four-legged friend, or even a two-legged BFF will do, for a day of fun in the sun. There will be live music, decorated floats, games for the kids, delicious food and beverages, and an endless supply of tail-wagging friends to greet, so come and have a ball. Bring the whole family and stay to see who this year’s king and queen will be (animals and humans). The money raised from this event benefits animals in Birmingham and Jefferson County.

What to wear? A day at the park calls for casual comfort, and thanks to some fashionable and functional looks from Rogers Trading Company, you don’t have to settle for boring. We loved exploring this outdoor specialty store tucked away off Highway 280. We are channeling festival style in a big way, so don’t forget to add a little fringe to your free-spirited look.

The 38th annual Vocal Competition hosted by Opera Birmingham draws talented opera singers from 35 states, who come to the Magic City to compete for $10,000 in prizes and the winning spotlight performance in Opera Birmingham’s Catch A Rising Star concert. Five finalists will take the stage at the Vestavia Hills Country Club as judges and attendees vote on who should be opera’s next rising star. Don your black-tie-optional attire for a stellar performance and enchanting evening that will be bookended with a cocktail reception and seated dinner. This will be a night to remember!

What to wear? This black-tie-optional event calls for classic elegance, so we enlisted the help of Deborah Wiggins at The Clothes Tree for the perfect dresses for this fabulous evening at the stately Vestavia Hills Country Club. Inspired by the beauty and drama of the opera, we have selected three home-run looks, because there is sure to be more than one competition on the night of May 15.